Mila J facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mila J
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Mila J performing in 2018
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo |
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| Born | November 18, 1982 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1991–present |
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Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo (born November 18, 1982), known as Mila J, is an American R&B singer and rapper. She was born and grew up in Los Angeles. Mila J is the older sister of R&B singer Jhené Aiko.
Mila J has appeared in music videos and on songs by other artists. She released several songs between 2006 and 2009. After a break, she returned to music in 2012. She was signed to Motown Records from 2013 to 2017. During this time, she released two EPs: Made in L.A. (2014) and 213 (2016). In 2017, she released her first official album, Dopamine. Mila J now works as an independent artist.
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Early Life and Family
Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo was born on November 18, 1982. She grew up in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Christina Yamamoto, was an art teacher. Her father, Dr. Karamo Chilombo, was a pediatrician and musician. Her parents later divorced.
Mila J has seven brothers and sisters. Her siblings include Miyoko, Jahi, Miyagi, Jhené Aiko, Marcia, Dio, and Kareena. Her middle name, Akiko, comes from Japan.
Music Career
Starting in Music
Mila J began her career by joining a dance group. This led her to meet Chris Stokes, a record producer. Through Chris Stokes, Mila J became a dancer in Prince's music video for "Diamonds and Pearls" in 1991.
Chris Stokes then managed Jamila and her sister Miyoko. They formed an R&B group called Gyrl. The group toured with another R&B group called Immature. Gyrl's first members were Jamila, Miyoko, and Paulette Maxwell. They were backup dancers for Immature and appeared in their music videos.
In 1995, Gyrl released their first song, "Play Another Slow Jam." It reached number 74 on the US Hot R&B Singles chart. After this, Paulette left the group. In 1997, Glorika "Jeanae'" Briley and Tai-Amber Hoo joined Gyrl. They released the song "Get Your Groove On," which was in the movie B*A*P*S. This song reached number 91 on the US Billboard Hot 100. After this, the group broke up.
In 2005, Mila J was part of another girl group called Dame Four. They released one song called "How We Roll." This group also broke up soon after.
Mila J took a break from music in the early 2000s. She said she needed time to figure out who she was as a solo artist. She wanted to decide what kind of music she wanted to make.
Major Record Deals
Mila J later signed with Universal Motown Records. She had appeared on songs by artists like RaRa, IMx, and Omarion. Her first album was planned to be called Split Personality. It was produced by Chris Stokes. The album was set to be released in 2006 but was never officially put out.
In 2012, Jamila changed her style and her name to Japallonia. She released a free mixtape online called Blinded. It was downloaded over 700,000 times. She also released a music video for her song "Movin On." In 2024, she performed as a special guest on the Magic Hour Tour with her sister Jhené Aiko.
Return to Music and Albums
Mila J went back to using her original stage name. In 2014, she released her first single, "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up." The music video was shown on BET's 106 & Park. The song reached number 33 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
She then worked on an album called M.I.L.A., which stands for Made In Los Angeles. She said the album would have a 1990s feel. It included songs about relationships. Artists like B.o.B and Ty Dolla Sign were featured on the project. In August 2014, she released a lyric video for her second single, "My Main," featuring Ty Dolla $ign.
In 2015, Mila J was featured on Jodeci's album The Past, The Present, The Future. She also worked with the duo BC KINGDOM on their EP PRESS START. This EP had a different sound from her earlier work. She briefly changed her stage name to MILA. On June 10, she changed her name back to Mila J. She released a new song called "FreakNic." She also released her second mixtape, The Waiting Game, in November 2015. In 2016, Mila J was featured on several songs with other artists.
In early 2017, Mila J left Motown Records. She became an independent artist, meaning she manages her own music. On April 7, 2017, she released her first full-length album, Dopamine.
Musical Influences
Mila J has said that Janet Jackson is her biggest inspiration. She admires how Janet Jackson performs and entertains her audience. Mila J also looks up to artists like Mýa, Brandy, Prince, and TLC.
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Awards | Work | Category | Result |
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| 2014 | World Music Awards | Herself | World's Best R&B Artist | Nominated |
| "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up" | World's Best Song | Nominated |
Discography
- Dopamine (2017)
- Holiday (2019)
